Ireland sign long-term deal with midfield star

CONTRACT NEWS: The Irish Rugby Football Union and Leinster confirmed that Robbie Henshaw has extended his contract to July 2025.

Henshaw won multiple Player of the Year awards in 2021 for his stellar performances for Leinster, Ireland and the British and Irish Lions.

He started every game of Ireland's 2021 Six Nations campaign and his form earned him a place in the B&I Lions squad - where he started all three Tests against the Springboks.

The Athlone native made his international debut against the United States in 2013 and has represented his country on 57 occasions to date.

Henshaw has won two Six Nations titles with Ireland and has played at two World Cups (2015, 2019).

At provincial level, Henshaw has won a European Champions Cup and four PRO14 titles with Leinster and he won a PRO12 title with Connacht in 2016.

He has made 63 appearances for Leinster, scoring 14 tries.

"In 2021 Henshaw showed that he was one of the best players in world rugby with dominant performances for both Ireland and the British and Irish Lions," David Nucifora, IRFU Performance Director, said.

"The early part of this season was disrupted with a couple of injuries but he is a player who contributes massively to both Leinster and Ireland and he will play a big role in delivering the ambitions of both squads this season and in the years to come."

Henshaw said he is "delighted" to have signed a contract extension with Ireland and Leinster.

"We are lucky to have such high-quality centres in Ireland and it is a really competitive position which makes it very exciting," the midfielder said.

"There is so much to look forward to over the coming months and I want to play a role in achieving success for both teams."